Want a guitar you'll actually play? A bad choice can sit in the corner and collect dust. This quick guide helps you decide between acoustic and electric, pick a size and budget that fit, and choose features that make practice feel easy - not painful.
First, ask how you'll use it. If you plan to strum singer-songwriter songs, travel with it, or play unplugged, an acoustic guitar usually wins. If you want rock, metal, or to plug into pedals and amps, an electric is the way to go. If you can't decide, a semi-acoustic or acoustic-electric gives flexibility without committing to one sound.
Try before you buy. Hold the guitar standing and sitting. Does the neck feel comfortable in your hand? Can you reach frets without stretching? Smaller bodies and shorter scales suit kids and small adults; dreadnoughts and jumbo bodies give more bass and volume for bigger players. Action - the string height - should feel low but without buzzing. If you're new, a setup by a tech makes almost any guitar feel easier to play.
Look at the neck profile (slim, C-shape, V-shape) and the fretboard width. Wider necks help fingerstyle players; narrower necks suit chord strummers. Check frets for sharp edges and test tuning stability by bending notes and using the tuner after a minute of playing.
Tonewoods matter but don't get lost in myths. Solid-top acoustics (solid spruce or cedar) sound better over time than laminate tops. For electrics, pickups define tone more than wood - single-coils are bright; humbuckers are warmer and thicker. If you plan to record or play live, test the guitar plugged in to hear real tone through an amp or interface.
Set a realistic budget. You can find playable starter guitars under $300, solid mid-range options from $500–$1200, and pro instruments above that. For kids, prioritize playability over brand - a well-set-up inexpensive guitar beats an expensive one that's hard to play. If buying used, check neck straightness, fret wear, and finish cracks.
Think about maintenance and sustainability. All guitars need humidity care, occasional setups, and new strings. If environmental impact matters, look for brands that use responsibly sourced wood or alternatives like laminate and richlite fingerboards.
Don't forget accessories that make the guitar usable: a padded case or gig bag protects it, a clip-on tuner keeps you in tune, a strap helps standing practice, and spare strings are a must. For electrics, budget a small practice amp and at least one quality cable. Want to record? A simple interface and a condenser mic can capture your sound. Extras keep the instrument ready, speed improvements.
Final quick checklist: 1) Decide acoustic vs electric. 2) Try it in person for feel and action. 3) Test plugged and unplugged. 4) Check neck, frets, and tuning stability. 5) Factor in setup and care costs. Follow these steps and you'll walk out with a guitar that inspires you to play more, not less.
